National Committee

To be confirmed by annual General Meeting

President John Groombridge

04 589-5461

Vice PresidentLinda Geeves

(North Island) 04 478-4820

Vice PresidentJoyce Fleming

(South Island) 03 322-7990

Secretary Ian Bushett

04 236-8297

TreasurerJohn Groombridge

04 589-5461

Members 

 Bill Baine04 562-8514  

 Barry Marten04 567-5216 

 George North06 549-2158

Send all correspondence to the official address

LOCAL CONTACTS

Whangarei Roger Morris 

09 435 3623

Auckland Alison & Graham

09 817 8266

Tauranga Ted Lidgard 

07 542 2463

Taranaki John Lowe 

06 752 7915 

Hawkes Bay Murray Ennor 

06 879 6988

Sth Hawkes Bay Hugh Bowles 

06 374 6238

Wellington Linda Geeves

04 478 4820

Meryl Baker 

04 528 7010

Nelson Dennis Moyniham

03 544 9550

Christchurch Joyce Fleming 

03 322 7990

Robin Gray

03 389 1919

Bay of Plenty

A Bay of Plenty calendar of events for the next three months is presented for the first time, and members are asked to support the activities. If you need more information, or have more ideas, contact Ted Lidgard at 07 542 2463.

Naturist Trip to Kapiti Island

4 January 1999

Members of the Free Beach Group are invited to join a trip to the nature reserve on Kapiti Island on the day after the National Rally. The trip involves a 5 kilometre launch trip to the island, an introductory talk on the history, wildlife and vegetation, and opportunity to explore the coastal track, or visit the summit of Tuteremoana, 521m.

Launches leave the mainland at 9am and 930am, returning about 4pm, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy a memorable day on the island. The total cost will be $38 ($30 launch, $8 permit) per adult and $24 ($20 launch, $4 permit) per child.

Only 50 people are allowed to visit Kapiti on any one day, and a landing permit must be obtained from the Department of Conservation. Permits cannot be Issued before 4 October, and if we apply after that date we might miss out. We need a list of participants as soon as possible. It would be great if we could fill the whole 50 places and have the island to ourselves for the day.

Payment can be made by cheque (To Doug Ball Photography and post- dated 4 October 1998) or by credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Bankcard). If we get more than 50 applicants, we will have a waiting list. No cheques will be banked nor card accounts debited until we have the landing permit. If we fail to get the permit, you will be advised and your cheques or credit card details destroyed.

Assuming we get a landing permit, there is still one possible problem you should know about, If the sea conditions are too rough on the day, the launch will not run. In that case you will receive a refund of your launch fare, but not your permit fee.

Please complete the enclosed Registration form if you wish to be included In this unique trip.

Doug Ball

Dear Editor

The 1997 Remit 3 has names, addresses, year of joining and subscription status, yet "Section 22 of the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 requires every society to keep a register of all its members. It must show the name, address and occupation of every member, the date they, she or he became a member, and all subsequent changes. If required by the Registrar, a society must submit a list of all members, giving their names, addresses, and occupations plus a declaration by an officer verifying the list." This is from "A Guide to Incorporated Societies Act 1908". For ease of contact it is a good idea for the members list to have phone numbers and should have name, address and subscription status. Rule 5.4 "Each member shall complete a form of application which shall state his or her name, full postal address and occupation, as required by the Incorporated Societies Act:". The error in the remit is to neglect to mention occupation and is thus against both the Incorporated Societies Act (1908) and our constitution.

Gordon Sim

Remit 3 referred to in Gordon's letter stated:

That the Free Beach Group Inc database be purged of all essential information, leaving only administrative data specifically required to record our membership, eg names, addresses, occupation, year of joining, and subscription status; and that information for the Directory of Members be recorded in a separate database set up for that specific purpose.

The remit was adopted by a postal ballot conducted prior to the 1997 Annual General Meeting, and would appear to comply with the requirements of the Act. Gordon may be confused by a précis of the remit included with the results of the ballot on page 3 of the September-October newsletter.

Editor

Thank you, Tony

Tony Wilson, a Life Member of the Group continues to clear our Auckland Post Box.

Thank you Tony, we appreciate your help.

Resignation

John Lowe has resigned from the National Committee, John has also withdrawn from maintaining the Free Beach Group database.

Remember ......

If your bum is bare,

place a towel on the chair.

Remits

In accordance with Clause 15.2 of the Constitution, the following Remits were received by the Secretary on or before 30 April, 1998.

1 ... That Clause 7.3 of the Constitution be amended by deleting the words The Group will render such assistance as it considers appropriate and within its resources, and substituting the words:

The Group shall render such assistance as the Committee may consider appropriate and within the resources of the Group.

Clause 7.3 would then become:

In the event of any legal action being taken against a member arising out of nude recreation in a place and at a time which tine Committee considers suitable, the Group shall render such assistance as the Committee may consider appropriate and within the resources of the Group.

Explanation: A typographical error occurred in the preparation of the Constitution which was adopted by members at a Special General Meeting, 27 January 1996. The word "will" should have been "may".

Moved: John Groombridge

Seconded: Ian Bushett

2 ... That Clause 8.2 of the Constitution be amended by deleting the words confirmation of election of officers and that Clause 9.1 be amended by deleting the sentence beginning with the words "These are to be elected..." and substituting the sentence:

The National Committee shall be elected annually by postal ballot in tine case of resignation, a committee member may be appointed in an acting capacity.

Clause 8.2 would become:

The business of Annual General Meeting shall be the presentation of Reports of Officers, consideration and adoption of accounts, and general business.

Clause 9.1 would become:

The business of The Group shall be managed and controlled by a National Committee consisting of President, Secretary, Treasurer, and members of number to form a committee not exceeding eight persons. The National Committee shall be elected annually by postal ballot; in the case of resignation, a committee member may be appointed in an acting capacity. The Committee may appoint Vice President(s) and shall have the power to co-opt members within the limit of eight persons forming the Committee. Committee meetings shall be open to a members.

Explanation: Clause 9.1 states that the election of the National Committee be conducted by postal ballot. A postal ballot enables all members to participate in the democratic election of the National Committee; it is therefore not appropriate to conduct another ballot at the AGM to confirm or reject the results of a postal ballot.

Moved: John Groombridge

Seconded: Ian Bushett

3 ... That Clause 12 of the Constitution be renamed Liquidation and that the words wound up in Clause 12.1 be replaced with the word liquidated and that the words winding up in Clause 12.2 be replaced with the word liquidated.

Explanation:The Incorporated Societies Act has been amended so that it is no longer correct to refer to the "winding up" of a society. The amended Act defines this action as "liquidation".

Moved: John Groombridge

Seconded: Ian Bushett

The above amendments are general housekeeping, and do not change the intent of the Constitution.

4 ... John Lowe has submitted sixteen amendments to the Constitution. These are presented separately in the format specified by John Lowe. The amendments are divided into three categories:

I ... Membership (the creation of Ex-members):

2 ... Meetings:

3 ... Management:

Moved: John Lowe

Seconded:

Note:

Clause 8.4 of the Constitution was amended last year, the quorum for an Annual General Meeting is twenty members. Currently, the Newsletter Editor and "Database Administrator" are Committee appointments based on qualifications and ability.

Members are invited to make submissions on the above Remits to be published in the next Newsletter.

To allow adequate time for debate on the proposed changes to the Constitution, the Committee recommends that voting on these Remits be deferred until the October-November newsletter.

I move that the following changes to the Constitution be made:

1. Membership.

A. [5.1] Add to the end: "The year in which an application is first accepted will be known as 'Year Joined.'

B. [5.2] Add the words: "or ex-member" after: "Any member" and change: "membership" to: "the Group" in the first sentence.

C. [6.1] Change the words "deemed to have resigned." to "deemed to be an ex-member." in the second sentence.

D. [6.1] Change the words: "Any such member may however revive his or her membership" to "Any ex-member may return to full membership"; change the words "sum due" to "subscription" and add the word "current' before the word "financial" in the third sentence.

E. [7.3] After "or members", add: "but not ex-members," in the first sentence.

F. [7.4] New: "Ex-members may be invited to participate in organised activities, at the discretion of the organiser; but they shall have none of the rights or privileges of membership."

2. Meetings. (Change title to: "General Meetings")

A. [8.1.1] New: "Notices of motions or remits for the AGM shall be in the hands of the Secretary by the 30th day of April and notified to the members at least two months before the mailing of the related voting form."

B. [8.2.1] New: "The results of motion or remit voting conducted by post and published in accordance with 8.1.1, shall be confirmed in general business."

C. [8.3.1] New: "Valid proxy forms returned for a General Meeting must be distributed to. the attending member designated by name on the proxy form. Forms not specifying a personal name, or specifying the name of a member not in attendance, shall be distributed as evenly as practicable among the attending committee members."

D. [8.3.2] New: "In the case of a show of hands, the Chair shall ask subsequently for a count of distributed proxies, accumulating the count of those proxies for, and those against; separately from each other and the show of hands. In the minutes, shall be recorded the 'for' and 'against' count for both the hands shown and the proxies. In the case of a secret ballot the Chair shall ask those responsible for proxies to specify them separately on the ballot paper beside a circled letter "P" or in such other way as unambiguously separates the proxy count for the voting member.

The scrutineers shall keep and report separately the vote count of those attending, from the proxy count, as well as the totals. On request for a recount, two new scrutineers may be appointed for one only recount of the papers. The Chair shall declare both attending and proxy results and move that the ballot papers be destroyed forthwith.

E. [8.4] Change "twenty five" to: "twenty".

3. Management.

A. [9.1] After "Treasurer," add: "Newsletter Editor, Database Administrator," and, after the first sentence add: "One person may occupy a maximum of two of the specified positions."

B. [9.1.1] New: "A 'Committee meeting' may be conducted in writing by 'Circular', in which case the circular must be sent to all committee members and those members wishing to 'attend'; Along with the related 'response forms', that Circular will constitute the minutes for that 'meeting'."

C. [9.4] Add: "In the case of a Committee meeting conducted by Circular the quorum shall be 5 responses returned from the prior circular, by a committee member."

D. [10.2] Add: "The Secretary may initiate a meeting in writing 'by circular' in lieu of attendance in person. In the absence of a circular or other committee meeting for more than 2 months, any committee member may initiate such a circular, provided the response is notified to the Secretary."

E. [10.4] New: "The database Administrator shall be responsible for keeping a secure list of all members details, compiling the Directory of Members, and facilitating other committee members, local organisers and contacts, in their respective functions."

John Lowe

Afterword

I am aware that the President (and presumably Secretary) are against the amendments moved - all of them!
All I ask, is that those of you voting, consider their objections in the light of your own conscience.
• Are these amendments compatible with your own understanding of the facts? (Once a nudist always a nudist - should we abandon them?)
• Are they fair? (Should just the President - or Secretary - control all your 'blank' proxies?)
• Are they democratic? (Is it democratic to allow you to decide if a new nominee needs to be considered as Editor or Database Administrator?)
My conscience has forced my resignation from the committee, after an explicit direction by the President not to "interfere" at Papamoa. (I was directed to not offer FBG help to the local policeman - one favourably disposed to us) Please consider carefully, their objections.

Constitutional Amendments for the AGM

Following the AGM last year it was apparent that some constitutional amendments are needed to clarify three areas of procedure: Membership policy, General Meetings and Management.

These items were inspired by the 'Explanation' from Remit 1 of last year's July - August voting form: "to enable all members to participate in voting" and the specification on the front page of the 97 May - June Newsletter: "that all members have equal rights".

In order to minimise the pain of trying to get to grips with all this, I've put all the amendments and explanation detail first, followed by the formal motion for just the changes on which a vote will be required.

The explanation detail begins with the current clause number: [5.1] the place for the alteration, the result, and a brief explanatory comment.

1. Membership.

This is a series of changes designed to clarify our membership policy. They are built around the practices and polices already informally established over the years, and currently in effect. In view of the recognised aphorism: "Once a nudist - always a nudist" we have always recognised a continuing relationship with those who've let their membership lapse (as distinct from explicitly resigning). This fact is recognised in these amendments. The advantage to the group is two-fold: political - it allows us to better claim our real support base in dealing with authorities; and economical - it allows us to more comfortably include extra people in special events (eg: an anniversary dinner). It also allows us a better chance of getting some of them back - I know this has happened. (Note it is specified that the Group has NO obligation of any sort to ex-members.)

A. [5.1] Add to the end: "The year in which an application is first accepted will be known as 'Year joined'." This specifies the meaning of the "Year joined:" on the membership card.

B. [5.2] Add the words: "or ex-member" after: "Any member" and change: "membership" to: "the Group". The clause would then read: "Any member or ex-member may resign from the Group by giving to the Secretary notice in writing to that effect, such resignation to take immediate effect Upon receipt." This clarifies the established practice of keeping our historical data, and specifies the ex-member status. Those who specifically resign may then be purged from membership lists at the time of resignation.

C. [6.1] Change the words: "deemed to have resigned." to: "deemed to be an ex-member." The second sentence of that clause would then read:

"The subscription shall fall due on the day after the Annual General Meeting, and any member not having paid by three calendar months after that date shall be deemed to be an ex-member." This allows for those who tend to maintain an intermittent membership, and makes the option of inviting ex-members to a 'user-pays' event, less potentially divisive.

D [6.1] Change the words: "Any such member may however revive his or her membership" to: "Any ex-member may return to full membership" and change the words: "sum due" to: "subscription" and add the word: "current" before the word: "financial" in the third sentence. The third sentence of that clause would then read: "Any ex-member may return to normal membership without further formality by payment of the subscription due during the current financial year." This eliminates an ambiguity around the extent of subscription arrears for someone rejoining, and again: is established practice.

E. [7.3] After: "or members", add: "but not an ex-member or ex-members," in the first sentence. The sentence would then read: "In the event of any legal action being taken against a member or members, but not an ex-member or ex-members, arising out of nude recreation in a place and at a time which the committee considers suitable, the Group will render such assistance as it considers appropriate and within its resources." This ensures there's no implied liability for ex-members.

F. [7.4] A new clause: "Ex-members may be invited to participate in organised activities, at the discretion of the organiser; but they shall have none of the rights or privileges of membership." This specifies what has been an in formal practice anyway, especially 'in the provinces' where, without the support of 'ex-members', there'd be no activity at all. Note: at Ngatuhoa there's a "non-member" fee.

2. Meetings. (Change to: "General Meetings")

These items are mainly intended to give effect to permitting both proxy and postal voting at General Meetings. It also specifies a procedure for distributing and counting proxies. The last gives proper effect to the AGM intent to have the quorum reduced. (Last year's amendment allows an AGM to be conducted with just a President and 20 proxy letters - I'm sure that can't be what was intended!)

A. [8.1.1] New: "Notices of motions or remits for the AGM shall be in the hands of the Secretary by the 30th day of April and notified to the members at least two months before the mailing of the related voting form," This gives equivalent effect to 15.2, for the same reason; ie: the time needed to have at least one cycle of 1 discussion and response via the newsletter, of any motion or remit; before members are asked to decide the issue - that is: at least one newsletter ahead of the voting form mail-out.

(Since it is obviously not practicable, and probably illegal, to disallow voting at a General Meeting, this clause needs to accompany 8.1, not replace it.)

B. [8.2.1] New: "'The results of motion or remit voting conducted by post and published in accordance with 8.1.1, shall be subject to confirmation in general business." This simply mirrors the procedure for the election of the committee, and specifies its place in the agenda.

C. [8.3.1] New: "Valid proxy forms returned for a General Meeting must be distributed to the attending member designated by name on the proxy form. Forms not specifying a personal name, or specifying the name of a member not in attendance, shall be distributed as evenly as practicable among the attending committee members." This is intended to be fairer than the default effect of putting all the undesignated proxys into the hands of any one individual yet nominally retaining the general wish of the members via the (newly) elected committee.

D. [8.3.2] New: "In the case of a show of hands, the Chair shall ask subsequently for a count of distributed proxies, accumulating the count of those proxies for, and those against; separately from each other and the show of hands. In the minutes, shall be recorded the 'for' and 'against' count for both the hands shown and the proxies. In the case of a secret ballot the Chair shall ask those responsible for proxies to specify them separately on the ballot paper beside a circled letter "P" or in such other way as unambiguously separates the proxy count for the voting member. The scrutineers shall keep and report separately the vote count of those attending, from the proxy. count, as well as the totals. On request for a recount, two new scrutineers may be appointed for one only recount of the papers. The Chair shall declare both attending and proxy results and move that the ballot papers be destroyed forthwith." This clause simply specifies a method for assessing the net effect of the votes cast, while incorporating a little flexibility for checking errors due to the more complex factors involved in accounting for the proxies.

E. [8.4] Change: "twenty five" to: "twenty" This gives: proper effect to the AGM wish to have the quorum: reduced.

3. Management.

These items give effect to the practice of having a. President / Treasurer and other pairs of executive positions being held by one person. The membership is enabled to vote on two executive positions not currently open to a vote. The basic requirements for 'meeting by circular' are specified.

A. [9.1] After: "Treasurer," add: "Newsletter Editor, Database Administrator," and after the first sentence add: "One person may occupy a maximum of two of the specified positions." The clause would then read: "The business of The Group shall be managed and controlled by a National Committee consisting of a President, Secretary, Treasurer, Newsletter Editor, Database Administrator and members of a number to form a committee not exceeding eight persons. One person may occupy a maximum of two of the specified positions." This would allow all the 'active' positions to be subject to performance evaluation by the membership. The NZNF had a problem after Percy Cousins died, as the position of 'Editor' had never been specified in their constitution (now it is). The database operation should be similarly subject to 'market forces'. Unless a position is open for nomination, the way is naturally open for all manner of incumbent 'feather bedding' with no incentive for improved performance.

B. [9.1.1] New: "A 'Committee meeting' may be conducted in writing by 'circular', in which case the circular must be sent to all committee members and those members wishing to 'attend'. Along with the related responses, that circular will constitute the minutes for that 'meeting'." This clause simply adds the specification of a 'meeting by circular' option to the constitution.

C. [9.4] Add: "In the case of a Committee meeting conducted by circular, the quorum shall be 5 responses returned from the prior circular, by a committee member." I see no reason why all available committee members shouldn't be required for a quorum when counting the circular responses; however, 5 should be an adequate indication of the consensus view.

D. [10.2] Add: "The Secretary may initiate a meeting in writing 'by circular' in lieu of attendance in person. In the absence of a circular or other committee meeting, for more than 2 months, any committee member may initiate such a circular, provided the response is notified to the Secretary." This is to ensure the committee can democratically bypass paralysis by apathy.

E. [10.4] New: "The Database Administrator shall be responsible for keeping a secure list of all members details, compiling the Directory of Members, and facilitating other committee members, local organisers and contacts, in their respective functions." This clause should be self-explanatory: it is simply what has been happening.

The Chasm walk

What a great day! On Sunday 8th March, twenty five of us met at Martinborough. There were members from as far away as Auckland and Gisborne. As soon as the last arrived and we had completed our greetings, we drove in convoy to Patuna farm where we picked up our guide, Alan Wilkinson. From there it was another few kilometres to the start of the walk. once away from the road, Alan announced we could go nude if we wanted, and clothes were flying off in all directions, many left hanging in the trees to wait our return some four hours later.

The mornings' walk took us through farmland and bush, and up some rather steep little hills with Alan pointing out many items of interest along the way.

Lunch was at a tunnel and provided the perfect setting for Andrew and Jenny to produce their trademark wineglasses and bottle of wine. After lunch , a short walk took us to the ladder - the way down into the chasm, it was a bit hairy looking down the ladder, but everyone managed OK until the last step, when eyeballs popped out as the last step was taken into the cold water below.

Now what did Alan say - "Don't walk on the grey rocks, they are slippery, walk on the brown ones." Or was it the other way around - oops-splash! People discovered ballet steps they never thought they could do.

The next two hours were spent walking the chasm looking at the steep limestone cliffs on each side of us, the water falls, caves, stalactites, fossils, huge split rocks with part of shell in each half of the rock. (Match them up and win a prize!)

Cameras clicked busily. Keeping the camera dry was an extra challenge as the slippery rocks tried desperately to make sure everybody got wet in a rather undignified manner. Just as well we weren't wearing clothes.

Finally we came to the end of the chasm and had the choice of walking the track back or wading/swimming the river, with about half the group going each way. Eventually we were back where we left our clothes.

The walk was more strenuous than expected, but nobody really wanted it to end. The general consensus was that we must do it again sometime - or perhaps there is somewhere else we could go.

Thank to all those who made the commitment to go. We needed that so that we could make a firm booking and get the place to ourselves. Thanks to Glen for the idea.

Anyone with photos, perhaps you could bring them to the next swim night for us all to see.

Barry Marten

And thank you Barry for organising the day for us to enjoy.

Uruti Point

Seems a long time ago that we enjoyed a weekend at this lovely remote sand-hilled beach on the Wairarapa coast line. 1995 was the last time, as the weather has forced us to cancel trips on our calendar.

Arriving first, a day early on a hot (30 degree) Thursday of Waitangi weekend, I was confronted with a new notice on the gate to the beach - 'NO CAMPING - PRIVATE PROPERTY'.

Thoughts raced through my mind - 'where else could we go? How can we let everyone know? Perhaps Waiohine River Gorge DoC Camp?' While waiting, I thought I might as well approach the farmer and strike a nice friendly deal.

I introduced myself as a friendly nudist, and explained that our Group had been planning a camping beach weekend on his property, as we had done so many times in the past. He and his wife were sympathetic to us as nudists, and with certain restrictions (fire ban, smokers to stay in one spot near extinguisher); and if the algae bloom caused any problem, we were to pack up and leave.

This positive response was the start of a great weekend, camping, sunning, swimming, walking, sand-hill sliding, etc.

Toilets were 'dig-your-own' in a remote spot, and a solar shower provided enough hot water to wash off the salt etc provided we all lined up as the sun was going down.

Up early to watch and photo the sun come out of the sea in a beautiful sun rise.

I had taken my camper and awning, which proved useful for shelter from the sun and heat Good bunch, we all shared resources and even shared a minor dose of algae bloom on the last day.

A lovely remote beach like Uruti does not need rubbish dumped on it, and so we removed an extra bag of others' glass and rubbish.

On leaving, we thanked the farmer for his hospitality, and he enquired if we had had any trouble from others on the beach. Our response was no, everyone was friendly. His wife said that if other visitors had a problem with nudists on the beach, then it was for them to find another place to go. We would be welcome to come back any time.

Neil Green

Forum

The long hot summer means that some of us have spent many hours on the beach, flanked by the Fred Bear flag. Occasionally we have been asked, 'What's the flag?' or have been told, 'We thought it was just a child's flag.' So, using a calligraphic felt and my best sign-writing skills, I added the words FREE BEACH to one of my flags. Then Bert had a better idea. How about BARE ON THE BEACH?

I put the idea to the FBG committee for debate. Only one reply as yet: that a flag should show an emblem or logo, but no words. We might need to use the flag at places other than the beach.

At this point I chanced upon an article written by Frank Peek which appeared in the New Zealand Naturist magazine dated May, 1994 on the theme of "What's in a name?" The final paragraphs are as follows:

"I think that the big issue of identity also applies to our emblems. Take, for example, the Fred Bear emblem of the Free Beach Group. We love our Fred Bear, but what does he signify to others? It is quite clear to us that he signifies the Free Beach Group. But to the public he merely signifies a bear on a yellow flag. OK, he's a happy looking bear with a smile on his face and his hand is extended in a friendly greeting, but he's still just a bear on a yellow flag. He doesn't signify or identify us as nudists/naturists.

"Does that mean that the Free Beach Group should discard Fred Bear? Not at all, We need to give him a logo: we need to write the title of our group around or under Fred Bear. But we need an appropriate title. I suggest that the 'Free Beach Group' is not an appropriate name for our Group.

'There are a few thoughts that I offer for everyone's consideration. Maybe this could be the start of a discussion in which readers would like to participate: some may strongly disagree with my article, others may wish to come forward with suggestions for alternative names to our current titles."

Here is my reply. I like our title, "Free Beach," not only because I can't come up with a better one, but for two other reasons, The significant word is FREE, indicating freedom of choice or clothes-optional which is what we are now promoting on Canterbury beaches. Not many things are free these days. We live in a seriously materialistic and over-commercialised world, which makes it all the more delightful to get away and enjoy the freedom and simplicity of sea, sun and sand au naturel and at no charge.

I have been to nude beaches which have some sort of warning sign, such as "Zone Naturiste" on parts of the French coast, "Clothes Optional Beach Ahead" (Wreck Beach, Vancouver) or "If nudity offends, go no further" (Mapua).

We are fortunate in New Zealand that there is no law expressly forbidding nudity on our beaches. We are better off without designated nude beaches which may attract undesirables. Instead we promote the concept of clothes-free or clothes optional recreation, the ideal being that clothed and unclothed people will enjoy the beach together in as atmosphere of mutual respect and goodwill. We are making progress. The flag is our mobile statement. Not having designated nudist beaches, there are no permanent warning signs; nor do we want them. We can put up our friendly flag at our chosen spot and the words on it should inform passers-by and other beach users that they may come upon naked people.

BARE ON THE BEACH is a gentle statement. It is not a warning, an apology, a protestation or an admonition as are some of the other slogans. The double meaning raises a smile and we are accepted as OK or perhaps envied. Sometimes others join us or park themselves nearby.

Let us consider the several other slogans which are, or have been, used by the Free Beach Group from time to time.

BARE WITH US is another fun slogan which can be used at places other than beaches, though I doubt if such a flag would be appropriate. Moreover, there is a downside to both of its meanings:

(i) Bear with us (implied) = put up with us; tolerate us = a slight cringe or apology.

(ii) Bare with us! sounds like an admonishment or command.

GO NATURAL GO BARE - another command, The possible answer being "Not on your Nelly!"

"I'm a Redskin!" oops, sorry,my mistake. No, actually I'M A BARESKIN! What's the difference? Let's not get too funny.

"FREE BEACHES FOR A TOTAL TAN." Yes, that was good, but has been cancelled by the cancer scare. P.I. (politically incorrect!)

So I go for this -

Tauranga Hot Pool Day

Rotota Sun Club invites members to the annual Tauranga Hot Pool Day at the Fernland Hot Pool, Cambridge Rd, Tauranga, 11am to 3.30pm Saturday, 16 May 1998. The main pool is for our exclusive use.

Cost is $4 per adult and $1 for school children. FBG Membership card or INF Passport may be required for entry.

Lunch and refreshments may be taken into the pool area and a pot luck dinner will follow in the evening at the Exhibition Hall, Tauranga Historic Village Museum, 17th Avenue west. A $2 donation per adult is requested to cover cost of hall hire.

If you need more information, contact Graham Macgregor, 14 Burns St, Tauranga, Ph: 07 578 1302, or Fax 07 578 1822.

Easter at Rotota

Members enjoyed another great Easter weekend at Rotota Sun Club.

There was a community Barbecue on Saturday and Sunday evening with the club providing
sausages, steak, etc.

Ian and Neil complemented the feast with their specialty Fred Bear golden chips. The Rotota newsletter made special thank you to Ian and Neil.

Wellington Spas

The Wellington region Spas re-commence on the Saturday 30 May at the Kilbirnie Aquatic Centre, 6pm to 7pm, and thereafter on the fourth Saturday of the month.

The cost is $4 per head (for a nominal half hour session). Ask at the desk for the Free Beach Spa, and pay $4 for a half hour spa.

 

Auckland Activities

Hibiscus Coast Sun Club swim nights on the last Saturday of each month, 6pm till midnight at Palm Springs, Parakai, near Helensville. $8 per adult. Take your own food and drinks or buy them there.

Auckland Sun Club invites visitors to their Spa and Sauna evenings, held every Sunday from 4pm to 7pm; $2.50 per person. Take your towel and FBG membership card. Phone 09 814 9973 for more details.

Fernlands Hot Pool Nights

Nudvanners hold a monthly swim night at Fernlands hot pools, on the second Saturday; meet between 8 and 8.30pm in the foyer. For more details, phone Ros (07) 544 1082, or Allen (07) 575 6601.

Petuna Chasm 98

This was an absolutely positively great trip that twenty five (including Errol all the way from Auckland) thoroughly enjoyed.

On this perfect hot sunny day, our farmer leader Alan guided us across his farm through regenerating native bush, pointing out many geological and historical features of the area.

We had our lunch in a wonderful spot with half thinking they were cave people, and the rest relaxing in the sun.

After vitals, we descended down into the chasm for the walk or swim back to our cars. The scenery was awesome, heaps of fossil shells, and surprisingly warm water - ask Jenny.

We all decided this must be a biennial event. Great crowd, Great trip, Great weather! Put my name down for the next trip.

Thanks to Barry, our organiser.

Neil Green